Festival to inspire city's outdoor adventurers

Rock climbing at Stanage Edge, Derbyshire. At four miles long, it has some of the best climbing in the Peak District and is only 15 minutes from Sheffield.

The Outdoor City Adventure Book Festival is a first for Sheffield Libraries and will be an opportunity for people who love outdoor adventure to spend two days immersed in literature, film, poetry and crafts.

Over two action-packed days - June 3 and 4 - enthusiasts will flock to Sheffield’s Central Library.

Free and ticketed events take place throughout, with highlights including talks from award-winning film-maker, writer and Everest climber Matt Dickinson, and a screening of the best from this year’s Sheffield Adventure Film Festival.

During his filmmaking career, Matt worked as a director and cameraman for National Geographic television and the BBC.

His film projects have taken him to Everest, K2 and the Antarctic, often in the company of the world’s leading expeditioners.

Author John Beatty will give an illustrated talk taking his audience to the Himalaya, Africa, the High Arctic, Northern Forests and deepest Colorado.

He will share details from his book Wild Vision - a lifetime of adventure and photographing some of the planet’s wildest and most beautiful places.

Youngsters can enjoy A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, followed by adventure-themed craft sessions, as well as other activities.

Coun Jack Scott, cabinet member for community services and libraries at organisers Sheffield Council, said: “This is a massive event for the library, planned to inspire and enthral people who love adventure and the great outdoors.

“Sheffield is The Outdoor City because of our unique proximity between city living and outdoor escapes.”

Coun Scott added: “We are one of the largest cities in the UK, with the Peak District National Park within our boundaries and 80 public parks on our doorstep.

“We are known internationally as the climbing capital of the UK and we have fantastic walking, running, cycling and mountain biking communities.”

He continued: “We wanted to put on an event that celebrates and feeds the enthusiasm for outdoor adventure in Sheffield.

“There’s something for families, adventurers, visitors to the city, bookworms and film lovers alike.

“We can’t wait to host this here at the library.”

n Visit www.theoutdoorcity.co.uk/walk/adventure-book-festival for more information or to book places at the festival.